WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN (August 10, 2023) – The Waukesha branch of The Horton Group, a national insurance brokerage, partnered with the Waukesha chapter of the nonprofit Box of Balloons to assemble four birthday boxes for underprivileged children in the Waukesha County area. In addition to the boxes, Horton will be donating $2,500 to help Box of Balloons Waukesha with their mission – this is the largest donation the organization has ever received since it was founded in 2013.

These boxes are equipped with birthday party essentials so that each child feels celebrated on their special day. Items typically contain decorations, tableware, activities, party favors, cupcakes and a gift for the birthday child. Horton assembled boxes for three different children who requested unicorn, Fortnite and The Little Mermaid themes. They also assembled a special Spiderman-themed box for a five-year-old boy named Leo.

“It is such a rewarding feeling to help these kids have the party of their dreams,” said Kym Hytry of The Horton Group, who coordinated this volunteer opportunity. “Every child – regardless of their current situation, living conditions or financial status – deserves to celebrate and feel special on their birthday.”

Box of Balloons Waukesha stopped by Horton’s Waukesha office on Tuesday, August 8, to pick up the boxes and a large rendition of the check they received earlier that year. Horton will also sponsor the organization’s “Friends”-themed trivia fundraiser, which will take place on November 8 at the Tuscan Hall in Waukesha.

“In America, 22 percent of children live below poverty level, so it’s more important now than ever to help in any capacity we can,” said Marcia Wayer, Executive Director of Box of Balloons Waukesha. “Basic survival needs should certainly be met first, but we also believe that a birthday celebration can give families the hope they may be missing. We are so fortunate to have Horton’s support as we strive to help each child have a truly happy birthday.”

The Horton Group’s contributions are made possible by Horton’s Helping Hands (HHH), an employee-funded charity campaign where employees’ time, talent and treasure are invested into local causes to make a big difference. Once per year, employees may nominate a 501(c)(3) organization to receive up to $2,500 from the HHH fund. In the past five years, Horton has donated over $81,000 to local charities. During that time, they have also coordinated 69 onsite volunteer opportunities (resulting in over 500 employee volunteer hours) across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

About Box of Balloons Waukesha

Box of Balloons Waukesha is a chapter of the national nonprofit serving Waukesha since 2020. This organization believes that every child deserves to feel special, be celebrated and have a memorable birthday party. Unfortunately, that is not possible for many families. In America 18% of children live below the poverty level. They believe that a birthday celebration instills pride, self-esteem and gives joy to children in need. Their fundamental goal is to provide joy, hope and celebration for the child and their family.